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KeyRon Catlett hauls in a touchdown pass for the Offense with ten seconds remaining in the first quarter against the Defense in the Purdue spring game Saturday, April 7, 2018, at Ross-Ade Stadium. The Offense defeated the Defense 42-36. John Terhune/Journal & Courier

Alexander Horvath with a carry for the Offense against the Defense during the Purdue spring game Saturday, April 7, 2018, at Ross-Ade Stadium. The Offense defeated the Defense 42-36. John Terhune/Journal & Courier

Redshirt quarterback Nick Sipe of the Offense fakes a handoff to Alexander Horvath during the Purdue spring game against the Defense Saturday, April 7, 2018, at Ross-Ade Stadium. The Offense defeated the Defense 42-36. John Terhune/Journal & Courier

Senior quarterback David Blough of the Offense tosses the ball to Markell Jones during the Purdue spring game against the Defense Saturday, April 7, 2018, at Ross-Ade Stadium. The Offense defeated the Defense 42-36. John Terhune/Journal & Courier

Alexander Horvath with a carry for the Offense during the Purdue spring game against the Defense Saturday, April 7, 2018, at Ross-Ade Stadium. The Offense defeated the Defense 42-36. John Terhune/Journal & Courier

Quarterback David Blough with a pass for the Offense against the Defense during the Purdue spring game Saturday, April 7, 2018, at Ross-Ade Stadium. The Offense defeated the Defense 42-36. John Terhune/Journal & Courier

Quarterback Nick Sipe with a pass for the Offense against the Defense during the Purdue spring game Saturday, April 7, 2018, at Ross-Ade Stadium. The Offense defeated the Defense 42-36. John Terhune/Journal & Courier

Alexander Horvath with a carryt for the Offense against the Defense during the Purdue spring game Saturday, April 7, 2018, at Ross-Ade Stadium. The Offense defeated the Defense 42-36. John Terhune/Journal & Courier

Alexander Horvath looks for running room on a carry for the Offense against the Defense during the Purdue spring game Saturday, April 7, 2018, at Ross-Ade Stadium. The Offense defeated the Defense 42-36. John Terhune/Journal & Courier

Navon Mosley of the Defense breaks up a pass intended for Benaiah Franklin of the Offense in the Purdue spring game Saturday, April 7, 2018, at Ross-Ade Stadium. The Offense defeated the Defense 42-36. John Terhune/Journal & Courier

Jackson Anthrop scrambles to evade Giovanni Reviere as the Offense runs a trick play against the Defense in the Purdue spring game Saturday, April 7, 2018, at Ross-Ade Stadium. The trick play didn’t generate any yards for the Offense. The Offense defeated the Defense 42-36. John Terhune/Journal & Courier

Jackson Anthrop scrambles to evade Giovanni Reviere as the Offense runs a trick play against the Defense in the Purdue spring game Saturday, April 7, 2018, at Ross-Ade Stadium. The trick play didn’t generate any yards for the Offense. The Offense defeated the Defense 42-36. John Terhune/Journal & Courier

Wide receiver Jackson Anthrop with a pass as the Offense runs a trick play against the Defense in the Purdue spring game Saturday, April 7, 2018, at Ross-Ade Stadium. The trick play didn’t generate any yards for the Offense. The Offense defeated the Defense 42-36. John Terhune/Journal & Courier

Tight end Jess Trussell of the Offense can’t hold on to the ball as he is covered by T.J. Jallow of the Defense during the Purdue spring game Saturday, April 7, 2018, at Ross-Ade Stadium. The Offense defeated the Defense 42-36. John Terhune/Journal & Courier

Senior quarterback David Blough with a pass for the Offense againt the Defense during the Purdue spring game Saturday, April 7, 2018, at Ross-Ade Stadium. The Offense defeated the Defense 42-36. John Terhune/Journal & Courier

Wide receiver Terry Wright of the Offense looks for additional yardage after a pass reception against the Defense during the Purdue spring game Saturday, April 7, 2018, at Ross-Ade Stadium. The Offense defeated the Defense 42-36. John Terhune/Journal & Courier

Wide receiver Terry Wright of the Offense looks for additional yardage after a pass reception against the Defense during the Purdue spring game Saturday, April 7, 2018, at Ross-Ade Stadium. The Offense defeated the Defense 42-36. John Terhune/Journal & Courier

A future Boilermaker takes in the Purdue spring game pitting the Offense against the Defense Saturday, April 7, 2018, at Ross-Ade Stadium. The Offense defeated the Defense 42-36. John Terhune/Journal & Courier

Jeff Marks, right, of the Defense sacks quarterback Jack Plummer of the Offense during the Purdue spring game Saturday, April 7, 2018, at Ross-Ade Stadium. The Offense defeated the Defense 42-36. John Terhune/Journal & Courier

Jeff Marks, right, of the Defense sacks quarterback Jack Plummer of the Offense during the Purdue spring game Saturday, April 7, 2018, at Ross-Ade Stadium. The Offense defeated the Defense 42-36. John Terhune/Journal & Courier

Jeff Marks, right, of the Defense reacts after sacking quarterback Jack Plummer of the Offense during the Purdue spring game Saturday, April 7, 2018, at Ross-Ade Stadium. The Offense defeated the Defense 42-36. John Terhune/Journal & Courier

Wide receiver Isaac Zico of the Offense looks for running room after a pass reception against the Defense in the Purdue spring game Saturday, April 7, 2018, at Ross-Ade Stadium. The Offense defeated the Defense 42-36. John Terhune/Journal & Courier

Running back Alexander Horvath of the Offense pounds out a few extra yards on a carry against the Defense during the Purdue spring game Saturday, April 7, 2018, at Ross-Ade Stadium. The Offense defeated the Defense 42-36. John Terhune/Journal & Courier

Joe Schopper with a punt for the Offense against the Defense in the Purdue spring game Saturday, April 7, 2018, at Ross-Ade Stadium. The Offense defeated the Defense 42-36. John Terhune/Journal & Courier

Joe Schopper watches the ball after his punt for the Offense against the Defense in the Purdue spring game Saturday, April 7, 2018, at Ross-Ade Stadium. The Offense defeated the Defense 42-36. John Terhune/Journal & Courier

Head coach Jeff Brohm claps his hands as the Offense and Defense get set to start the second half of the Purdue spring game Saturday, April 7, 2018, at Ross-Ade Stadium. The Offense defeated the Defense 42-36. John Terhune/Journal & Courier

Head coach Jeff Brohm calls out instructions as the Offense and Defense face off in the Purdue spring game Saturday, April 7, 2018, at Ross-Ade Stadium. The Offense defeated the Defense 42-36. John Terhune/Journal & Courier

Markell Jones pitches the ball to KeyRon Catlett on a double reverse by the Offense against the Defense during the Purdue spring game Saturday, April 7, 2018, at Ross-Ade Stadium. The Offense defeated the Defense 42-36. John Terhune/Journal & Courier

Wide receiver Jackson Anthrop of the Offense is chased down by the Defense during the Purdue spring game Saturday, April 7, 2018, at Ross-Ade Stadium. The Offense defeated the Defense 42-36. John Terhune/Journal & Courier

Wide receiver Jackson Anthrop of the Offense is chased down by the Defense during the Purdue spring game Saturday, April 7, 2018, at Ross-Ade Stadium. The Offense defeated the Defense 42-36. John Terhune/Journal & Courier

Freshman quarterback Jack Plummer with a pass for the Offense against the Defense during the Purdue spring game Saturday, April 7, 2018, at Ross-Ade Stadium. The Offense defeated the Defense 42-36. John Terhune/Journal & Courier

Redshirt freshman quarterback Nick Sipe with a pass for the Offense against the Defense during the Purdue spring game Saturday, April 7, 2018, at Ross-Ade Stadium. The Offense defeated the Defense 42-36. John Terhune/Journal & Courier

Redshirt freshman quarterback Griffin Alstott of the Offense runs to escape Semisi Fakasiieki of the Defense during the Purdue spring game Saturday, April 7, 2018, at Ross-Ade Stadium. The Offense defeated the Defense 42-36. John Terhune/Journal & Courier

Sophomore wide receiver Benaiah Franklin of the Offense with a catch in front of Kenneth Major of the Defense during the Purdue spring game Saturday, April 7, 2018, at Ross-Ade Stadium. The Offense defeated the Defense 42-36. John Terhune/Journal & Courier

Redshirt freshman Aidan O’Connell of the Offense looks for an open receiver during the Purdue spring game Saturday, April 7, 2018, at Ross-Ade Stadium. The Offense defeated the Defense 42-36. John Terhune/Journal & Courier

Redshirt freshman Aidan O’Connell of the Offense scrambles as he looks for an open receiver during the Purdue spring game Saturday, April 7, 2018, at Ross-Ade Stadium. The Offense defeated the Defense 42-36. John Terhune/Journal & Courier

Head coach Jeff Brohm watches as the Offense and Defense square off during the Purdue spring game Saturday, April 7, 2018, at Ross-Ade Stadium. The Offense defeated the Defense 42-36. John Terhune/Journal & Courier

Sophomore wide receiver Benaiah Franklin of the Offense reaches but can’t get a hand on the ball while defended by Kenneth Major of the Defense during the Purdue spring game Saturday, April 7, 2018, at Ross-Ade Stadium. The Offense defeated the Defense 42-36. John Terhune/Journal & Courier

Redshirt freshman quarterback Aidan O’Connell of the Offense with a Pass against the Defense during the Purdue spring game Saturday, April 7, 2018, at Ross-Ade Stadium. The Offense defeated the Defense 42-36. John Terhune/Journal & Courier

Redshirt quarterback Griffin Alstott of the Offense on a carry in front of Derrick Barnes of the Defense during the Purdue spring game Saturday, April 7, 2018, at Ross-Ade Stadium. The Offense defeated the Defense 42-36. John Terhune/Journal & Courier

Redshirt freshman cornerback Kenneth Major of the Defense breaks up a pass intended for Benaiah Franklin of the Offense during the Purdue spring game Saturday, April 7, 2018, at Ross-Ade Stadium. The Offense defeated the Defense 42-36. John Terhune/Journal & Courier

Head coach Jeff Brohm shouts comments to his players following the Purdue spring game Saturday, April 7, 2018, at Ross-Ade Stadium. The Offense defeated the Defense 42-36. John Terhune/Journal & Courier

Horvath gained 140 total yards in Saturday's spring game

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Alexander Horvath with a carry for the Offense against the Defense during the Purdue spring game Saturday, April 7, 2018, at Ross-Ade Stadium. The Offense defeated the Defense 42-36.(Photo: John Terhune/Journal & Courier)Buy Photo

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Is Alexander Horvath ready to become a household name among Purdue football fans?

Not quite yet.

But don’t completely cross the redshirt freshman running back off the depth chart. Saturday’s spring game was Horvath’s moment on the big stage inside Ross-Ade Stadium.

We all knew it was coming since spring practice started in February with the lack of depth at the position.

“How about that?” quarterback David Blough said after the offense beat the defense 42-36 using a modified scoring system. “He’s worked hard, you can see in the way he looks he cares about Purdue football and he’s a strong guy.”

Tario Fuller is out. Richie Worship is out. D.J. Knox has been sidelined since last month. That left Markell Jones and Horvath. No way was coach Jeff Brohm putting Jones at risk in a vanilla spring game. Jones carried the ball twice.

Horvath did the heavy lifting Saturday. He carried 14 times for 75 yards. He caught five passes for 65 yards. In the team’s controlled scrimmage one week ago, Horvath was on the field for 68 snaps.

He should know the playbook inside and out after these 15 spring practices.

“Being able to play with the 1s, that’s a big change for me,” Horvath said. “I have to step it up to make a name for myself. I feel after these two scrimmages, I’ve done some work to show the coaches. Hopefully, I can stay in the rotation and get back on the field.”

The Mishawaka Marian graduate will have a difficult time cracking the regular running back rotation. Jones is a 2,000-yard career rusher. Fuller, Knox and Worship are proven commodities that Brohm and running backs coach Chris Barclay are going to lean on and trust right now.

Giving Horvath a chance is part of what spring practice is all about - developing more depth at all positions. Granted, Purdue has several first-team positions to fill, especially on defense, but you never know when the experience Horvath gained this spring will be needed.

The 6-foot-3, 230-pound Horvath is an appealing prospect, who probably accomplished more in spring practice than any other player.

“He’s proven to us he’s a physical player and he loves the game,” Brohm said. “He’s going to compete. He’s going block, run hard, he’s going to catch the football. He adds to the mix.”

Not bad for a young man who was once headed to Indiana as a walk-on. And to play linebacker.

But Purdue’s coaching staff showed interest and Horvath was interested in more than just football. He wanted to study engineering and Indiana didn’t offer a program. Horvath had a chance to play at the NCAA Division II level but opted to think bigger knowing playing time would likely be sparse.

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Blough made a quick recovery from ankle surgery to participate in spring practice and Saturday's spring game
Mike Carmin/Journal & Courier

“Purdue called later – real late – after I committed,” Horvath said.

He will be on the field in the fall. That much is certain. He won’t be No. 1 at the running back position but Horvath will likely play a big role on special teams. He’s part of all the units except the PAT block team.

“The only way I thought I was going to play this year was special teams and that’s what I was working for,” Horvath said.

Now, has a foundation to build on during the offseason and heading into training camp, thanks to spring practice.

We all witnessed what transpired last year at the running back position.

Fuller played in just three games. Worship suffered a torn ACL in November. Knox suffered a thumb injury, forcing him to undergo surgery following the regular season finale against Indiana and the bowl game.

Horvath isn’t a household name and may never reach that status during his career at Purdue at the running back position. You don't need to know his name right now but it might be worth storing away for the future.

SPRING GAME RECAP

Freshman quarterback Jack Plummer threw two touchdown passes and J.D. Dellinger and Spencer Evans combined to kick four field goals as the offense beat the defense 42-36 using a modified scoring system.

Plummer hit KeyRon Catlett for an 18-yard score and connected with tight end Jess Trussell for a 3-yard touchdown before halftime. Dellinger hit field goals from 40 and 35 yards and Evans was successful from 35 and 37 yards. Overall, Purdue made all seven field goal attempts.

Nick Sipe completed 14 of 22 passes for 180 yards and Plummer was 15 of 22 for 157 yards. In limited action, David Blough was 6 of 15 for 109 yards. Beniah Franklin had seven catches for 116 yards. Alexander Horvath rushed for 75 yards on 14 carries.

Defensively, redshirt freshman Dedrick Mackey intercepted Plummer in the end zone, thwarting a scoring chance, and produced a 38-yard interception return for a touchdown in the second half. Redshirt freshman Kenneth Major had a team-high seven tackles and also broke up two passes.